Female fallen

We often get called to the elderly who have fallen, either getting in or out of bed. Limited mobility often results in difficulty getting back up after slipping to the floor. Most warden controlled flats, residential homes and nursing home have a no lift policy and this results in a call to the service for our assistance.

The other frequent call is to the drunk who has also fallen but their limited mobility comes from an excess of alcohol.

Tonight was my first combination job.

It came through as female fallen and the address was a block of warden controlled flats. So we expected a sweet little old lady who had slipped getting into bed, they always seem to have nylon duvet covers and nylon type nighties, not a good combination when you really want to avoid the slippiest material on earth!

On arrival, we did find a sweet old lady on the floor, but on bending down to examine her, I got this strong whiff of spirits!

When we enquired whether she had been drinking, she looked all innocent and stated she had no idea what we were talking about!

A quick look around her flat uncovered 2 bottles of brandy beside her tv chair, a brandy glass on the coffee table and an empty hip flask at her bedside!

Brilliant, 96 years old and drunk as a skunk!

We advised a glass for medicinal purposes was fine but could she try and keep it to one glass a night! Not sure she cared.